Master of Arts in Communication

Advisor and Director, Graduate Program:
Dr. Leigh Ford,
Room 318, Sprau Tower

The Master of Arts in Communication provides a foundation in communication theory and research and emphasizes intra/interdisciplinary connections in applied contexts. Thirty semester hours of graduate credit and completion of a capstone experience are required for graduation.

Admission Requirements

Students must satisfy the general admission requirements of The Graduate College. Students applying to the Communication master’s degree program must have completed undergraduate work in communication, speech, or allied disciplines and have achieved at least a 3.0 grade point average in their last two years of course work. Additional course work may be required at the time of admission into the program, as deemed necessary by the director of graduate studies. Undergraduate transcripts, graduate transcripts where applicable, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, three letters of recommendation (on WMU Graduate Reference Forms), and evidence of academic interest and ability are required.

Program Requirements

Communication Foundations (6 hrs.)

Select two of the following:

COM 6450 - Mass Communication Credits: 3 hrs.
COM 6740 - Interpersonal Communication Credits: 3 hrs.
COM 6820 - Organizational Communication Credits: 3 hrs.

Research Foundations (6 hrs.)

COM 6010 - Introduction to Communication Inquiry Credits: 3 hrs.

Select one of the following:

COM 6020 - Quantitative Communication Research Credits: 3 hrs.
COM 6050 - Qualitative Communication Research Credits: 3 hrs.

Communication Electives (18 hrs.)

Students will develop an individualized program of study reflecting a focused area of concentration, in consultation with a faculty advisor. A program of study may incorporate up to 6 hours of course work outside the department with the written approval of the graduate director.

Capstone Experience

Master’s degree students must complete a capstone experience in partial fulfillment of their requirements for graduation. The capstone experience shall consist of completion of a Master’s thesis or completion of comprehensive examinations.

Thesis Option

The thesis project consists of completion of a research paper in which the student proposes and tests new ideas, replicates an existing study, or advances theoretical understanding of an issue. The thesis must demonstrate scholarly abilities, including solid conceptualization, analysis, and writing. The thesis must clearly define the problem to be investigated, demonstrate mastery of relevant academic literature, and show competence in the relevant methodology and analysis techniques. The thesis shall consist of six credit hours and shall be considered part of the communication electives

Comprehensive Examination Option

The comprehensive examination option requires the student to demonstrate knowledge of a substantive area within communication and to demonstrate a capacity to integrate theory, research, and practice in response to comprehensive questions developed by the faculty of the School of Communication.